The first days of the visit focused on discovering the diversity of INACE’s expertise, beginning with the INACE Aventura 106 and two recently completed explorer yacht conversion projects. These conversions offered a fascinating insight into the shipyard’s ability to transform existing commercial vessels into sophisticated, long-range yachts with entirely new identities.

For Pierre, these projects were among the highlights of the visit. “Seeing how INACE transformed former commercial vessels into elegant explorer yachts was extremely impressive,” he explains. “Projects of this complexity require exceptional naval architecture, engineering expertise and project management. It demonstrates the shipyard’s ability to deliver highly bespoke yachts while meeting the standards expected in today’s superyacht market.”

Beyond conversions, the visit showcased INACE’s extensive capabilities in new construction. Touring the shipyard’s facilities provided a behind-the-scenes look at several projects progressing simultaneously, including another INACE Aventura 106, a new 151' (46m) explorer yacht scheduled for delivery between late 2026 and early 2027, and additional custom builds underway.

The scale of the operation was particularly impressive, with the team visiting steel workshops, outfitting areas and production facilities. With its existing infrastructure and decades of shipbuilding expertise, INACE has the capability to construct fully custom yachts of up to 230' (70m), offering owners the opportunity to create a yacht built entirely around their individual vision.

One of the key advantages highlighted during the visit was INACE’s ability to offer a highly personalized build experience. Unlike traditional shipyard models where owners are often limited by predefined concepts, INACE allows clients to bring their own designers, architects, and creative teams into the process. Combined with Brazil’s wealth of local design and engineering talent, this creates an environment where every detail can be tailored to the owner’s expectations.

The shipyard also presents a compelling proposition in today’s market through competitive pricing on steel-hulled yachts and attractive delivery timelines, with new projects typically achievable within approximately 24 to 30 months. At a time when many established shipyards have waiting lists extending several years into the future, this flexibility represents a significant opportunity for clients looking to begin a bespoke project sooner.

Alongside the technical visits, Steve and Pierre spent considerable time with the INACE marketing team developing strategies to strengthen the shipyard’s presence across European and North American markets. Discussions covered brand positioning, marketing initiatives, product presentation and the preparation of new collateral ahead of major international events, including the Monaco Yacht Show.

The collaboration between INACE and IYC extends beyond sales representation. Both teams are working together as strategic partners, combining INACE’s decades of shipbuilding expertise with IYC’s global network, market knowledge and experience presenting exceptional yachts to international clients.

Reflecting on the visit, Pierre shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“After spending several days at the INACE shipyard, what impressed me most was seeing how more than 55 years of shipbuilding expertise have created an exceptionally strong foundation for the company’s growing Superyacht Division. The quality of the workmanship, the in-house capabilities and the immediate build availability make INACE a very credible alternative to established European shipyards.

I was equally impressed by the people behind the company, with many employees having dedicated more than 20 years of their careers to the shipyard. That level of loyalty and experience says a lot about the culture and craftsmanship at INACE. Having seen what’s currently under construction, I genuinely believe the next deliveries will attract significant attention within the yachting industry. I’m truly excited about this partnership and confident it marks the beginning of a very promising future together.”

For Pierre, experiencing a shipyard firsthand is essential when representing a yacht brand. “As a yacht broker, the best way to understand a shipyard is by experiencing it personally. Touring the facilities, stepping onboard the yachts and meeting the people behind each project provides an insight that no brochure or specification sheet can offer. It builds the confidence needed to present these opportunities to clients with conviction.”

Following the visit, one message was clear: INACE represents a unique opportunity within today’s superyacht market. Combining more than half a century of shipbuilding expertise with genuine customization, competitive pricing, shorter delivery timelines and a strong focus on explorer yachts, the shipyard offers a distinctive alternative for owners looking to build something truly personal.

With exciting projects already underway and a shared ambition to expand INACE’s international presence, IYC looks forward to supporting the shipyard’s next chapter and introducing its capabilities to clients around the world.